SMYRNA--Members of the Jamaican Outreach Ministry of St. Thomas the Apostle Church made their seventh annual mission trip to the city of Kingston Oct. 16 to 20 where they served the poor, sick and abandoned in four homes run by the Missionaries of the Poor.

Father James Caffery, MS, pastor, and 28 others from the parish brought over 60 boxes of largely donated supplies, including food, clothing, bedding, medical supplies, books, toys and over 500 handmade rosaries to the 300 people who live in the four homes.

The Missionaries of the Poor, founded in 1980 by Father Richard Holung and comprised of 43 priests and brothers, also administers other outreach programs such as a weekly food line for over 300 people in surrounding neighborhoods.

Mission members did minor carpentry work, cleaned dormitories, kitchens and bathrooms, and helped run the food line. Since many residents have physical disabilities or medical conditions and have difficulty caring for themselves, three doctors and nurses arrived prior to the group and provided medical care to them and to those in nearby orphanages and slums. Team members assisted residents in need by washing, grooming and feeding them.

The weekend ended with a celebratory Mass at the Faith Center residence attended by the St. Thomas group, the brothers, residents of the homes and neighbors.

Mission participant Mary Jane Stuart wrote about the joy of the experience in a trip summary.

"Probably most enjoyed by the travelers was the time spent with the residents of the apostolates (residences). Although these people had nothing in terms of worldly possessions all were happy and thankful for the blessings they did have in their lives. From them we learned the meaning of unconditional love, faith and friendship," she said.

She said that the city faced problems with gangs, crime and poor sanitation and that residents were unable to travel freely.

In addition to traveling to Kingston each year, the Smyrna parish holds a food drive during Lent and has collected and sent items including canned meat, rice, beans, toiletry items and white dresses for religious services.